Concert Recap: Sofar Sounds DC
Review by Sarah Ruiz
Sofar Sounds DC recently hosted a showcase at The Line DC hotel in the Carina Room, creating an intimate ambiance with string lights in the background for a night of music lovers under one roof.
As a DC Native and music enthusiast, I feel it's my duty to support local talent and immerse myself in what is trending here. This was my first experience at Sofar Sounds DC and my goal was to learn about genres and artists that I most likely have never heard of. That night, I had learned about three distinct yet intriguing and talented artists.
If you have never heard of Sofar Sounds, according to their website, they are "a global music community that connects artists and audiences through live music, bringing people together in 400 cities worldwide." Drawing from personal experience, I can say I've attended a Sofar Sounds show in both Miami and DC and both have given me the chance to discover both rising and established talent.
Each show features three acts, ranging from solo artists to bands, with no designated headliners. The unique venues, spanning from museums to homes to restaurants, offer music lovers an engaging way to experience new music. The exact venue location remains undisclosed until 36 hours before the event, adding an element of excitement and suspense. Similarly, the lineup isn't revealed until closer to the event, fostering an atmosphere of anticipation. This format, with its element of surprise, encourages music lovers to open their ears to new sounds and genres, potentially discovering a new favorite artist.
In this showcase, Margot MacDonald, BIVIENS, and Attic Sessions took the stage, presenting a diverse range of different genres such as a blend of indie-pop, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and rock.
The first performer was DMV native Margot MacDonald who is a one woman band. She seamlessly embodies the role of songwriter, live looper and vocalist. Throughout her set, MacDonald captivated the audience by skillfully intertwining her singing with the creation of captivating rhythms using only her voice. Adding another layer to her performance, she skillfully played synths, enveloping the room in an electrifying atmosphere.
With closed eyes and a gentle sway, MacDonald transported the audience into another dimension, enchanting them with her musical prowess. Notably, she took the opportunity to unveil some of her latest work, showcasing her ability to craft mesmerizing melodies and leaving an indelible impression on the captivated audience.
Being a DMV native, MacDonald expressed what it means to be an artist from here
“I’ve got big love for the DMV. From folks hosting house shows to government arts grants, people have created some amazing opportunities for artists in the area, and I was lucky enough to dip my toes in several scenes across DC, Nova & Maryland growing up.” -Margot Macdonald for Tongue Tied Magazine
Next up Philly born artist BIVIENS delivered an awe-inspiring performance with his distinct version of rap music and R&B undertones. He presented the audience with a sneak peak of his upcoming album “Guilford Rd” and shared the inspiration for why he makes music.
BIVIENS interacted with the audience in the show by having us sing the lyrics “it's my moment, it's the day that I’ve been waiting for” and guided the crowd to snap in harmony to the musical beat.. On the keyboard was musician Howard who even had his own keyboard break. Some of the songs performed were “Beautiful girl” an ode to women, “Second Chance” and “The Moment.”
BIVIENS is no stranger to Sofar Sounds since he continuously performs and travels throughout the U.S. to Sofar shows. He stated Sofar Sounds “provided me a platform to organically build fans” and to “connect with people.” Throughout the performance, the authenticity of his connection with the audience was unmistakable, as he seamlessly drew them into the intricate tapestry of his musical journey.
Lastly was Attic Sessions, a band that performs influences of jazz, neo soul and rock coalesce. Attic sessions was formed by friends that began their musical journey in a literal attic The band includes a bass player, guitarist, percussionist and a vocalist. They performed songs such as “Forgetful" and “I am a Tree” that represent the phases of growth and meaning of humanity. Their set included a mix of songs in English and Spanish emphasizing the band's bilingualism.
Attic Sessions impressively performed a variety of musical genres through their soulful lyrics and rhythmic backbone. Each song and solos from each musician created a harmonious fusion of emotion and melody.
In a conversation with Taisha Estrada, the band's singer and lyricist, she shared the unique trajectory of Attic Sessions, having previously participated separately in Sofar Sounds shows but marking their debut as a unified project at this performance. Estrada expressed appreciation of Sofar Sound and stated “We love that it brings in those who aren't necessarily invested in the local music scene” and “We love that people there are always willing to listen.” Stay tuned for more upcoming performances from Attic Sessions with one in March!
The thoughtfully curated lineup for the evening brought together a diverse array of talents, catering to different tastes in music. From a dynamic band and soul-stirring soloist to a captivating rapper and a skillful keyboardist, there was something new for everyone.The exclusive preview of upcoming releases allowed us to delve into the artists' personal narratives and inspirations. Sofar Sounds DC welcomed everyone to truly enjoy the music and artists.
If you are interested in learning more about Sofar DC upcoming shows, follow them on instagram and visit the website!
